13 Seniors Graduate as the 25th Graduating Class of Take Stock in Children – St. Johns County
We are proud to celebrate the remarkable achievements of the Take Stock in Children – St. Johns County Class of 2025. This year marks a major milestone — the 25th graduating class from the Take Stock in Children – St. Johns program. Thirteen local students have earned their high school diplomas and are heading off to pursue their dreams in higher education with scholarship support, mentorship, and a strong foundation for success.
Community education program helps support students through mentorship, guidance, + scholarships
Since 1998, INK! has served as the exclusive affiliate for Take Stock in Children in St. Johns County. In that time, the program has awarded more than $2 million in scholarships to deserving students — thanks to the generosity of donors and the support of our community.
“One hundred percent of our Take Stock in Children 2025 graduates are moving on to post-secondary education,” shared Cathy Newman, INK!’s Executive Director. “That’s something to celebrate! In the past two decades, 96% of our TSIC scholars have continued their education after high school, with over 62% earning a two-year or four-year degree.”
The St. Augustine Lions Club presents the Take Stock-St. Johns Class of 2025 with new laptops at the May 12 graduation event.
Take Stock in Children is more than just a scholarship program — it’s a pathway for academically qualified, low-income students to achieve future success in college, career, and life. Working statewide throughout Florida, Take Stock in Children’s mission is to break the cycle of poverty by providing opportunities for degree attainment through postsecondary education. Through mentoring, coaching, and personalized support, students commit to staying in school, maintaining a 2.5 GPA, and making positive life choices. At graduation, they receive a scholarship equivalent to 60 college credit hours at a Florida state college or technical school. As the exclusive local affiliate for the statewide Take Stock in Children organization, INK! helps students graduate from high school with individualized support through volunteer mentors, college and career coaching, tuition scholarships, and hope for future success.
A Very Special Thank You to Our Scholarship Donors
The Take Stock in Children program is possible because of the support of donations from individuals, civic organizations, and businesses who support the program and invest in our students. We are so grateful to the donors for supporting the Class of 2025.
- Mr. and Mrs. Bill and Cathy Snyder
- Mr. and Mrs. Ted and Carolyn LaDue
- The Margie Davidson Family
- The St. Augustine Lions Club
- Mrs. Sherry Davidson and Family
- Davidson Cares Foundation
- All American Air Charitable Foundation
- Ponte Vedra Women’s Civic Alliance
- Mr. & Mrs. Chris Shee and Clays For A Cause
Mentors are the Backbone of the Take Stock in Children Program
Since 1998, INK! has helped at-risk students in St. Johns County graduate from high school with the individualized support of volunteer mentors, college and career coaching, tuition scholarships, and hope for future success. Mentors are the backbone of the Take Stock in Children – St. Johns County program. Volunteer mentors support the success of our students and help guide students to future success.
Our sincere gratitude to the Volunteer Mentors for the Class of 2025!
- Mr. Chris Barrett
- Ms. Nena Barrett
- Mr. Butch Burkett
- Mr. Danny Gurr
- Ms. Jo Lynn Look
- Mr. Ian MacDonald
- Ms. Erica McCall
- Ms. Kerri Murphy
- Ms. Maureen Wilt
Take Stock graduate Braniya Woods with Chris Shee and Tim Forson. Braniya earned the Tim Forson Honors Scholarship and will attend FAMU.
The Future is Bright for the Class of 2025
Members of the Class of 2025 will be attending the University of Florida, Florida State University, Florida A&M University, University of North Florida, St. Johns River State College, Florida State College at Jacksonville, Daytona State College, and First Coast Technical College.
Sherry and Peyton Davidson with Take Stock graduate Jaydin Dang and Mr. Tim Forson. Jaydin received the Jim Davidson Super Senior Scholarship.
This year’s graduation ceremony, held on May 12, also included a few very special moments, including a tribute to retiring St. Johns County School District Superintendent Tim Forson, who has served our community for 45 years. In his honor, INK! awarded an additional scholarship to Braniya Woods in recognition of Mr. Forson’s lasting impact on education in St. Johns County. Braniya will be attending Florida A&M University in August. The Time Forson Honors Scholarship was made possible by a donation from Chris and Dawn Shee and Clays For A Cause. Additionally, INK! awarded an additional scholarship to Graduate Jaydin Dang in honor of Jim Davidson. Mrs. Sherry Davidson and Peyton Davidson joined INK! in honoring Jaydin with the Jim Davidson Super Senior Scholarship.
The future is bright for these graduates, and we are incredibly proud to be part of their journey. Congratulations, Class of 2025!
Get Involved
The application window for Take Stock in Children is now open for 8th, 9th, and 10th-grade students in St. Johns County public schools. Know a student who could benefit? Encourage them to apply here. Interested in mentoring the next generation? Contact Jim Wheeler at james.wheeler@stjohns.k12.fl.us to learn more.
